From the Guidelines
The anterior frontal longitudinal fissure plays a crucial role in separating the right and left frontal lobes of the brain, enabling specialized cognitive functions to develop in each hemisphere and contributing to lateralization of brain function. This deep groove contains the falx cerebri, a fold of dura mater that provides structural support and contains important blood vessels that supply the frontal lobes 1. The fissure is particularly important for higher cognitive functions including executive decision making, working memory, and personality expression. Any damage or abnormalities in this region can result in cognitive deficits, personality changes, or motor control issues depending on the specific area affected.
Key Functions and Importance
- The anterior frontal longitudinal fissure allows the right and left frontal lobes to function independently while still communicating with each other.
- It enables specialized cognitive functions to develop in each hemisphere, contributing to lateralization of brain function.
- The fissure is an important anatomical landmark for neurosurgeons when planning and performing brain surgeries.
- Damage or abnormalities in this region can result in significant morbidity, including cognitive deficits, personality changes, or motor control issues, highlighting the need for careful consideration of this area in clinical practice 1.
Clinical Implications
- The anterior frontal longitudinal fissure is a critical structure in the brain, and its integrity is essential for maintaining normal cognitive and motor functions.
- Any damage or abnormalities in this region should be carefully evaluated and managed to minimize potential morbidity and mortality.
- Neurosurgeons should be aware of the importance of this fissure when planning and performing brain surgeries to avoid complications and ensure optimal outcomes 1.
From the Research
Anterior Frontal Longitudinal Fissure Role
- The anterior frontal longitudinal fissure is a brain structure that has been studied in various contexts, including its role in brain development and disease progression 2, 3.
- In a study on Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle, lateral fissure, cerebral longitudinal fissure, and other brain structures were found to be enlarged in FTLD patients, while the volume of certain brain regions decreased significantly as the disease progressed 2.
- The interhemispheric fissure, which includes the anterior frontal longitudinal fissure, has been studied in the context of normal brain anatomy and its appearance on CT scans 3.
- There is limited research specifically focused on the role of the anterior frontal longitudinal fissure, but studies on brain development and disease progression suggest that it may play a role in the asymmetrical folding patterns of the brain 4.
- The development of the Sylvian fissure, which is related to the anterior frontal longitudinal fissure, has been studied in preterm infants, and its asymmetry may be related to language processing functions 4.
Related Brain Structures
- The lateral fissure, cerebral longitudinal fissure, and other brain structures are related to the anterior frontal longitudinal fissure and have been studied in various contexts, including brain development and disease progression 2, 3, 4.
- The Sylvian fissure, which develops through the process of opercularization, has been found to have inter-hemispheric asymmetry, which may be related to language processing functions 4.
Disease Progression
- The anterior frontal longitudinal fissure and related brain structures have been studied in the context of disease progression, including Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration 2.
- The volume of certain brain regions, including the medial and lateral temporal lobe, frontal lobe, and white matter, has been found to decrease significantly as the disease progresses 2.